A34666:863
A brief exposition with practical observations upon the whole book of Ecclesiastes by that…A briefe exposition with practicall observations upon the whole book of Ecclesiastes by that…
A brief exposition with practical observations upon the whole book of Ecclesiastes by that late pious and worthy divine, Mr. John Cotton ... ; published by Anthony Tuckney ...A briefe exposition with practicall observations upon the whole book of Ecclesiastes by that late pious and worthy divine, Mr. John Cotton ... ; published by Anthony Tuckney ...
London: printed by T.C. for Ralph Smith, 1654
A BRIEF EXPOSITION UPON ECCLESIASTES. › VersesA BRIEFE EXPOSITION UPON ECCLESIASTES. › Verses
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Ans. First, the mouth may be put for the whole body, as sometimes bread is put for all maintenance, as well of back as belly, Gen. 3.19. Matth. 6.11.
Secondly, It is true in proper Speech, taking the mouth for the chief and supreme End of Labour, to which all the rest must give place in case of necessity. A man will sell his lodging and clothing, and all he hath, for his mouth, Gen. 47.15. to 19. And it is a great vanity that the divine spirit of a man should labour only for sensual things and transitory.
Secondly, It is true in proper Speech, taking the mouth for the chief and supreme End of Labour, to which all the rest must give place in case of necessity. A man will sell his lodging and cloathing, and all he hath, for his mouth, Gen. 47.15. to 19. And it is a great vanity that the divine spirit of a man should labour only for sensual things and transitory.
Reas. 3. From the emptiness of the Soul or Appetite after all this labour. The mouth is a narrow Portal, not above two or three Inches square, and the Stomach not above a hand breadth square, the whole man not above five Foot long: and yet when a man hath laboured to fill all these, and provided him of store for many years, yet his mind is not satisfied, but his inordinate desire after ⟨p. 111⟩the means of his maintenance (like a Dropsy thirst) is never filled. And thus fareth it with the Learned Scholar, the rich Churl, the Industrious and prudent poor man: These Vanities fall alike to them all, how much less is the immortal soul filled?